plunged into the ocean after the pilot attempted an autorotation, a technique for safely landing in the event of engine failure.

The crash on June 14 startled beachgoers who helplessly watched as the Robinson R22 Mariner, a small two-passenger helicopter equipped with pontoons, slammed into the Atlantic Ocean several hundred yards offshore. canadian pharmacy discount The pilot, Mari Kajimoto, and her piloted-rated passenger, Will Mistrot, were rescued by a nearby boat and neither sustained injuries.

The National Transportation Safety Board released a report earlier this month detailing how the helicopter went down. It says the pilot was in cruise flight at 600 feet when she attempted an autorotation, aviation parlance for turning off the engine and landing. It is a technique practiced in case the engine fails.

The passenger reportedly told the pilot that he did not feel comfortable attempting an autorotation because he

did not have many hours in the left seat and was unsure they could try such a maneuver without an instructor on board. But the pilot tried it anyway, with the intent of recovering power, according to the report.

The landing went awry and the helicopter crashed into the water, rolling over. The helicopter, registered to Watercraft Photo Helicopter LLC, suffered damage to one of its rotor blades and the cabin floor, sidewall and center console separated from the main structure, the report says.

About This Blog

Behind the Yellow Tape reports on crime and law enforcement in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. We cover your well-being. We’ll bring you stories, pictures and videos about everything from traffic accidents to drug busts to violent crime, including on-the-scene updates posted to Yellow Tape.

We’re also here to talk with you. We’ll share the news of the day, but we want your tips, reactions and ideas. Got a hot story? E-mail or call one of our bloggers. Want to say something about a post? Leave a comment. We want to start a civil discussion about how and what Behind the Yellow Tape covers.

Hello, I’m Brian Freskos. I’ve been at the StarNews since August, 2010, and I am the newspaper’s primary crime and public safety reporter. I’m the main contributor to this blog, but my colleagues will also post from time to time. I also moderate the comments. If you have a question or concern, email me at Brian.Freskos@StarNewsOnline.com.